Middle Tennessee State University has issued a “timely warning”  after a report of an inappropriate touching incident Friday, Sept. 25, on the university campus.

The following text comes from the university’s “Alert Updates” page, located at www.mtsu.edu/alertupdates, which is part of the network of campuswide information sources linked to MTSU’s Rave Mobile Safety emergency notification system.

1:45 P.M., SEPT. 29, 2015, MTSU TIMELY WARNING: On Sept. 25, 2015, around 6:15 p.m., Middle Tennessee State University Police received a sexual assault complaint from a female student.

The victim stated that she was leaving Peck Hall around 3:45 p.m. Sept. 25 when a male approached her and asked to take a “selfie” photograph with her. While taking the photo, the male grabbed the victim and touched her inappropriately. She protested and left the area immediately and told police that the male followed her for a short distance as she walked toward the Student Union.

The suspect was described as a male of Middle Eastern descent, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with brown eyes, black hair and crooked teeth.

Anyone with any information about this individual or knowledge of this incident is urged to contact MTSU Police at 615-898-2424. If you have knowledge about this or any other crime, you may also contact CrimeStoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867).

All students are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, walk in well-lit areas and consider other personal safety tips found at the MTSU Police Department website, http://police.mtsu.edu. The website also has information about services offered by MTSU Police, including the Student Escort Program and the free MTSU Rave Guardian app, which turns a mobile phone into a “virtual escort” that connects directly to MTSU Police in case of emergency.

This timely warning notification is made in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act..

Today’s notifications went automatically to all current  MTSU students, faculty and staff via email alerts from the Rave Mobile Safety system. When necessary, the campuswide alerts also include weather-related university scheduling changes, building closures and more.

MTSU students, faculty and staff who also want to receive text and/or voice alerts can click here, log in with a PipelineMT username and password to update their contact information. (Rave Alert FAQs, including adding or changing contact information, are available here.)

When there’s not a situation on or near campus warranting emergency alerts, the “Alert Updates” page displays a generic message advising visitors to check back when necessary and to contact the MTSU Police Department if any suspicious activity is observed.

— Gina E. Fann (gina.fann@mtsu.edu)